Patricia Watts is the new director of the Colchester Senior Center. Watts, of Glastonbury, began her job as senior services director for the town on June 17.

Q: How have things been going since you started?

A: My first day, after orientation at Town Hall, I came down here and they were serving Father’s Day brunch. And so they turned that into a Father’s Day brunch and a meet the new director day. We had a capacity crowd. It was very exciting. Everyone has been very warm, very friendly. My first weeks here, I’ve noticed that the people are our biggest assets. I’ve inherited a terrific staff that’s very knowledgeable and helpful. And our seniors, the citizens who utilize our senior center, are also wonderful. I’m very happy about that.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your background.

A: Prior to here, I was working at the Wallingford senior center. I was the program coordinator. I began my career in the early ’90s working as a recreation therapist, and I’ve really worked across the entire spectrum of senior care and services. I’ve worked in skilled nursing settings, I’ve run assisted-living programs. I’ve worked in independent living and senior housing management. And I really found a home in the senior center world. I really believe in what senior centers mean to the community, and I just think it’s such important work that we do and it’s a such a hub for the seniors of the communities that they serve.

Q: You’re coming aboard at a unique time, when the town is considering a new senior center as well as talking about ways to maintain the current center. Will you be a part of those discussions?

A: I know that the town decided to send it to a referendum, which I understand will be in October. That will really determine our course of direction. Regardless, we’re at a crossroads at the senior center, and I think it’s a great opportunity to come on board and offer some direction, and strong leadership through any transitions, whatever those transitions will be. As far as currently, I have a plan to do some organization and space planning and really utilize our building to its potential. I think some of the changes will be really positive and exciting, and personally, my husband and I live in a century-old home. I’m not afraid of old buildings. I think they have an innate charm, and I hope to bring out the best in the senior center.

Q: Any new programs in mind, or that you’re planning on doing?

A: My early days have been spent meeting a lot of people, both town staff and the seniors and their family members. That has been my highest priority. But we’ll be going through a transition soon. Priscilla Clesowich, our program assistant, will be retiring after 19 years. She’s given a lot to the senior center and will be very missed by everyone. So we’re going through a transition where we’ll need to be hiring. I haven’t started that process, but innovative programming is my background. I certainly bring that passion and high level of expectation to what we can and should do.

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Q: Do you plan on making the senior center a more visible part of the community?

A: The tagline on all of our newsletters is “Proud to be part of the community.” And I really want to accomplish that mission. I feel very proud to be part of the Colchester senior center, and I have every intention of making it as visible a part of the community as possible.